Friday, August 19, 2016

One of my life goals is to have a Corvette. However, that isn't really cheap... under most circumstances.

I've done some research and found that C4 Corvettes (that's model years 1984-1996) usually go for between $5,000 and $15,000. That doesn't include special models like the 1990-1995 ZR-1, 1996 Grand Sports, Anniversary Editions and Pace Car replicas. For a classic sports car, 5-15k is quite a bargain!

Why are they so cheap? Because the later C5 (1997-2004) & C6 (2005-2013) generations were a lot faster and the earlier C1 (1953-1962) C2 (1963-1967) & C3 (1968-1982) generations are all prized just for their styling alone. Many of them are also still strong performers by today's standards too.

The C4 often gets a lot of grief from some (supposed) Corvette lovers because it wasn't always the fastest or most powerful. Considering how low the horsepower numbers (and performance) were for the C3 models from model years 1974-1982, I'd say that ALL C4's were a significant improvement. In addition to being the car that (eventually) restored the Corvette's performance abilities, it was also the first all-new Corvette design in 16 years. There's also quite a lot of affordable performance upgrades for the C4 (and any other Corvette that will ever be manufactured) so, I can improve the performance of any C4 that I acquire.

The only question is which C4 that I want to buy. The 1992-1996 models with the 300hp LT-1 small block V8 would be really nice. One of the earlier C4's from 1984-1989 could also be cool, just because I like the styling and digital instrument cluster. However, those cars had horsepower numbers between 205 and 250hp with the L83 engine used in 1984 (a carryover from the C3 generation) and the L98 used in cars from 1985-1991. The one year only 330hp LT4 V8 was most famous for powering the Grand Sports model from 1996 but, it was also available in any other Corvette from that year.

The digital display of the 1984-89 models, along with a wireframe for the early C4 model.
This pic is sooooooo 80's...

Based on what I've read on the C4's Wikipedia page, I think a 1996 model (with either LT-1 or LT-4) would be the best choice. Regardless of which one I get, it will have an automatic transmission and the soft-riding F45 suspension. I'm looking for my car to be a wicked cool boulevard cruiser, not a drag racer.

Of course, this isn't going to happen any time soon. I have much more pressing priorities right now. However, it will eventually happen. I just hope it happens while I'm still young enough to enjoy a sports car.

Finally, we have here the TV commercial for the 1984 model. It is STILL the best car commercial that I have ever seen. It makes me want to buy a C4 Corvette even more than I had before.

Not exactly a wonder why this car proved so popular back in the day, huh?

Friday, August 5, 2016

It's been too long since I managed to offend most of Humankind all at once (especially with something political) so, let's see if we can correct that oversight, shall we?

1.) Calling out a slut for her very irresponsible behavior is NOT sexism. It's chastising them for VERY inappropriate behavior that not only hurts them but, could hurt the rest of society too. (You'd be surprised how difficult this is for some people to understand.)

2.) The last talking point applies to Manwhores too.

3.) Hip Hop is NOT a genuine form of music.

4.) Catholicism is NOT Christian AT ALL.

5.) In fact, most denominations claiming to be Christian are not actually following Christ's philosophy. The moment you add things to the Scripture and start engaging in church politics, you're no longer following Christ.

6.) Hillary is the Devil. That, or she's in league with the Devil and very well might be the Anti-Christ.

7.) Bernie Sanders is a fucking Communist. He's also a pussy sell-out for harshly criticizing Clinton one minute and then endorsing her the next. See what happens when you let Tribalism override your principles?

8.) Trump is a blowhard.

9.) Ted Cruz looks really uncomfortable on stage sometimes... Like he's desperately trying to keep that gerbil from popping out of his ass...

10.) You think your
candidate is like Obi-Wan Kenobi and the other side's candidate is Darth
Vader. Truth is, they are both very much a real-life Jar Jar Binks.
Suck on that one for a while and see how it tastes. Still want to keep
wasting votes on Democrats and Republicans?

11.) Government interference in a marketplace is NOT a good thing, even if it does provide some temporary relief. Today's temporary relief becomes tomorrow's regulatory economic burden. Don't believe me? Ask the Detroit automakers what they think of the UAW. Or what ANYONE who either lost their coverage or saw the premiums go through the roof thanks to Obamacare thinks. Asking Uncle Sam for help is usually a Faustian Deal. It is NOT worth the risks.

12.) Toyota sucks.

13.) Volkswagen sucks.

14.) ANY Automaker that I don't like sucks.15.) Obama is an incompetent Commie Shitbag and his mom was a old-school porno-whore. There is photographic proof all over the internet. Just do an Image Search on a chick named Ann Dunham. You'll see...16.) Speaking of whores, how much does it cost for me to buy a Congressman? :P17.) Gun Control is knowing how to hit your target. No exceptions. End of discussion. I HAVE SPOKEN.18.) Veterans should be given a $100,000 tax-free lump-sum payment upon Honorable Discharge, just for having to tolerate Uncle Sam's Bravo Sierra for a few years. God knows many of us will need it since readjusting to civilian life is a long-time struggle and often features problems with getting reliable employment.

19.) Don't dare balk at the number in Talking Point#18. Congress allocates more than a BILLION Dollars to any number of things every single day they are in session. $100,000 for new Veterans is not going to be even a fraction of the costs that already go into entitlement spending.20.) There has been no real economic 'recovery' since Obummer took office. The market just adapted to the new, dreadful circumstances. EVERYONE has learned to do more with less. I'm sure I could think of a LOT more but, this ought to be sufficient for now.- Publius